Chapter 259: Chapter 240: Promotion by One Rank (3rd Update)
Lu Xingzhou stood outside the teahouse, and after bidding farewell to his daughter, he turned to see Fanghua with reddened eyes.
It was clear that she was crying quite heavily.
Taking two steps forward, Lu Xingzhou handed her a handkerchief, without uttering a word of comfort.
At times like this, the more you comfort someone, the more sadness it brings to those close to you.
Lu Xingzhou chose silence, not wanting her to cry again and also allowing her this chance to unleash the inner emotions she had suppressed for twenty years, to cry as much as she wanted.
Fanghua took the handkerchief and dabbed it at the corner of her eye, then calmly said, "I’m fine."
Lu Xingzhou didn’t ask her what she talked about with their daughter after he left. He trusted her, knowing that whatever was said, it wouldn’t lead to an immediate recognition, "Everything at the Princess Mansion is packed up; should we set out now?"
"Yes, let’s set out immediately."
Still caught up in earlier emotions, Fanghua was somewhat silent, as if unwilling to utter anything unnecessary.
Once in the carriage, Lu Xingzhou spoke, "What is past cannot be undone. The most important thing is the present and the future. We still have to live on, always looking forward."
"I understand." Fanghua said, lightly leaning on his shoulder, "It’s just that, for the first time, I was alone with my daughter, and couldn’t help but shed tears; but I know the proprieties, and know the future holds more significance than the past. I’ll strive to live well in the days ahead, endeavoring not to fail anyone again."
Lu Xingzhou curved his lips, "If Ah Yin can see through it, then I’m without regrets."
——
Song Wei had just arrived at the Hanlin Academy when he was summoned to the Qianqing Palace by the Imperial Chief Steward.
Emperor Guangxi wanted to see him, primarily to finish up the Da Huan Mountain Coal Mine case, but also to re-acquaint himself with his nephew-in-law.
As it happened, he had merely chosen at random back then, yet ended up choosing one of his own.
Indeed, it fits the old saying: the flood washed away the Dragon King’s temple, and one family is unaware of another.
He and Song Wei were, it might be said, unknown to each other until conflict brought them together.
Back in Ningzhou, Emperor Guangxi felt this man was like a thorn, soaked in poison, bringing woe to anyone who got close; even for the Emperor, he was no exception.
On the court, someone as staunch was very much needed, especially as the Su Family’s influence grew increasingly rampant—having Song Wei was akin to wielding a sword that vanquishes gods.
Later, Song Wei’s essay during the academy exam indicated his potential to become such a sword.
The content not only exposed the bureaucratic corruption, affecting a large group of officials’ interests but also subtly criticized the Emperor himself.
Other examinees would not dare to write such a thing, not even with a hundredfold courage.
Subsequently, during last year’s spring examination, Song Wei braved a high fever to protect his examination paper and used his body to shield it from the rain, eventually passing out in the exam hall.
This type of person is as unyielding as they are tough, never defeated.
From his heart, Emperor Guangxi admired him, though he still harbored resentment for the time Song Wei spared no sentiment in criticizing him.
...
Song Wei acted quickly, having already written a report on his case handling in Ningzhou; when the Emperor asked him to give an account, he did not speak but directly handed over the report.
Emperor Guangxi opened it, took a cursory glance, and set it aside, looking at him, "You handled this case quite splendidly."
Song Wei couldn’t discern whether the Emperor’s words were of anger, praise, or reproach.
But he figured that the Emperor was likely more angered by the fact that he personally sent the Emperor’s nephew to the desolate lands, three thousand miles away.
Is the Emperor likely to show him favor?
Emperor Guangxi indeed had no intention to show Song Wei any favor.
Having married into the Princess’ family was such a significant event, yet the rascal stayed composed. Especially last time, when he was sent to deliver a painting; he clearly met his mother-in-law, yet upon returning, he didn’t utter a word!
The more Emperor Guangxi thought about it, the more enraged he became, saying, "Since you’ve replaced the Champion Scholar, from now on, you are to fill in his vacancy. Whenever I want to hear someone teaching, no one else will be summoned but you."
Song Wei sensed that the Emperor was venting a grievance on him, but couldn’t quite discern the Emperor’s exact anger; however, as it came from the Emperor, saying he had to teach, it meant he must be prepared to be summoned at any time, and routinely revise the Four Books and Five Classics. If unexpectedly summoned to discuss one of them, failing could mean he would be held accountable.
Being a teacher is a role, teaching the Emperor about scriptures and lessons is their daily deed.
The Hanlin Academy doesn’t offer much in the way of lucrative prospects, but it does have the advantage of occasional audiences with the Emperor.
Common wisdom says accompanying an Emperor is akin to accompanying a tiger.
For some, it’s a challenging task, as an Emperor’s moods are fickle, and you never know when a slip of the tongue might displease him, ultimately leading to dire consequences.
For those who enjoy political maneuvering, however, it represents an opportunity shining brightly before them.
Should you perform well, there might be no need for three-year evaluations nor waiting, but could attract the Emperor’s favor; should he extend a helping hand to support you, you can bypass a path which might usually require several cycles of evaluations to achieve.
Song Wei was the sort to achieve such "overnight success."
Having entered the Hanlin Academy only last year, it’s been merely precisely one year, and he has risen from seventh-rank editor to Standard Sixth Rank teacher.
With a raise in rank, the stipend sees an increase, though not much given the rank isn’t significantly high, but it was still a matter of being close to the Emperor.
In future, to perform well and earn accolades, it would only take a word from the Emperor.
Returning from Qianqing Palace, colleagues eagerly pulled Song Wei aside to ask how it went, if the Emperor had granted him a promotion.
Song Wei mentioned he would be teaching for the Emperor.
His colleagues immediately understood it signified a rise in rank.
From today onwards, he wouldn’t have to focus solely on editing books but instead needed to read more, staying ready to be summoned and provide lessons as needed.
"Teacher is a good position!" one colleague refrained from dampening his spirits, choosing only to speak words of praise, "If you teach well, even if there’s no promotion, the Emperor’s rewards will be plentiful. Objects from the palace, although we can’t sell them outside, by then, if the Emperor asks you what you want, just directly ask for gold and silver; gold and silver are more practical, buy anything you lack."
Another said, "But you can’t think that way, no matter if you’re close to the Emperor, our official rank remains, and we must still show restraint. If you become arrogant over a minor achievement, the Emperor might not reward you and instead will cut down your arrogance."